A popular gym in Sydney’s sought-after eastern suburbs has closed its doors as the global fitness chain F45 faces continued financial pressure.
In an email to members on Friday, the management of F45 Coogee announced the gym would be ceasing operations before the end of May.
Staff thanked the local community for their patronage over eight years, but said it had “become clear” they could not continue to operate.
“It is sad for us to see this chapter come to an end,” the email said.
“It is not lost on us how wonderful this community in particular is.”
“Due to some building compliance and noise mitigation issues, that we have been experiencing for quite some time it has become clear that we cannot continue to operate effectively and efficiently within our existing premises and will need to close the current doors as we know it, while we look for other locations in Coogee as potential options.”
All active memberships with the gym will be cancelled on May 24, with members offered discounts to join two local private gyms.
Members were also encouraged to keep following the gym on social media with the statement hinting at a possible revival.
“Further announcements will be coming soon around new and exciting opportunities … It is not good bye but see you soon,” it said.
The shock closure comes as the F45 fitness chain, backed by Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg, faces continued pressure to downsize.
In February, management at F45 Alexandria in Sydney’s south announced they would also be closing their doors.
F45 chief executive Tom Dowd told various media outlets late last year the company would need to “shrink to grow”.
“If we need to lose unproductive locations to add value to existing ones I’m fine with that,” he told Leisure Opportunities.
“Moving forward we’re going to be very tactical and smart about growth. It won’t be ‘sell and forget’ like it was before.”